This week marked International Arabic Language Day, a celebration of one of the world’s most influential and historically rich languages.
Spoken by over 450 million people and integral to the religious practices of two billion Muslims, Arabic has historically been a cornerstone of scientific, literary, and cultural achievements.
UNESCO celebrated the occasion on Wednesday by highlighting the role of technology in safeguarding and advancing the language in an increasingly digitised world.
Under the theme ‘Arabic and Artificial Intelligence: Stimulating Innovation and Preserving Cultural Heritage’, the organisation warned that Arabic representation in the digital sphere remains alarmingly low, accounting for less than three percent of global online content.
Arabic’s enduring legacy as a language of religion, politics, and culture positions it uniquely to thrive in the digital age. But experts claim its survival depends on bridging the digital divide and fostering collaboration between linguists, technologists, and educators.
Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Thi, Secretary-General of the King Salman International Arabic Language Complex claimed that the survival of languages hinges on their integration with computing and artificial intelligence.
"We believe Arabic can rise to the challenge," Dr. Al-Thi said at a United Nations event in New York. The King Salman Complex is spearheading AI-driven initiatives like the Falak linguistic blog platform, Swar digital lexicons, and the Balsam index, designed to enhance Arabic’s presence in the digital realm.
Voices from the classroom
Arabic language teachers like Ella Linskens, co-founder of the online school Ihsan Arabic, argue that technology is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Teaching students from diverse backgrounds, including Pakistan and England, she has seen how digital tools open access to the Arabic language and culture.
"All learners, whether young or old, seem to engage with Arabic primarily through digital tools such as social media. Reels and YouTube videos provide them access to the Arabic-speaking world from afar," she told °®Âþµº.
While AI offers promising tools for language learning - like ChatGPT, which Ella uses to practice Arabic dialects - there are broader implications for educators.
She said: "If you're very open-minded about the capacity that the technology has, then sure, AI will be able to do every task we do as humans - if not just as good, then better than us."
But Ella insists that no AI can replicate the human connections formed in teaching Arabic, as its beauty lies in the rich literature and cultural heritage found in the "written and recited word and the historical places where these words are spoken".
"Naturally, in language lessons, the written word takes centre stage so any student of ours will be introduced to the richness of Arabic literature," she said.
"The reason why we became Arabic students and then teachers is because we like spending time and connecting to other human beings. We cherish the hours we spend with students - person to person. AI may be more effective in the future, but it can't replace the connection found in traditional teaching."